As a minister/preacher sort of folk: I am an ordained minister in the PC(USA), and have just accepted a call to my first church– a little church out in the country. I love to preach, and it is one of my great passions in life. And too, I love planning and leading worship services. I love to build relationships and find myself frustrated if I am able only to make superficial contacts. I love being with generations of folks– sitting at the feet of matriarchs and patriarchs and listening to their stories of faith, and playing wild and crazy games with youth. I love finding new and creative ways to paint a picture of God’s love, and thus invite folks in. I love family night suppers. I love meeting folks where they are. And one of my favorite parts of Sunday morning is standing in the back, greeting folks on their way out.
As a person:
I’m 27–but am pretending to be 25, at least until I turn 80. The things I do are the things I am passionate about. I was ordained when I was working at a children’s home, and after being given a “Mr. Potato Head” for ordination, they started affectionately? calling me Reverend Potato Head. I guess it stuck. I own more pajamma pants than anybody you know. I think gerber daisies are fabulous, and carnations ought to be outlawed. I could curl up with a book and lose track of hours. I cook gourmet meals, but can’t for the life of me figure out how to make a good cup of coffee. I knit, crochet, quilt, play at photographer, and train for triathlons that I never quite get around to doing. I’m quickly discovering that I don’t have time for all my hobbies! I advocate for kids–especially when no one else will. I don’t believe in shoes–and wear them only if necessary. The world would be a better place if everyone ate ice cream for breakfast. I have crayons on my desk, and the good coloring pages… mais oui! I’m a wife to my childhood best friend, and mamma to four furry children: Bella, Beafurd, Zeke and Divinity.
We share many things in common (I second outlawing carnations, though I have learned that they have their uses), love pajama pants and gerber daisies. I’m a slipper girl instead of barefoot, and love to cook. I also have too many hobbies, including knitting, quilting, papercrafting… Fortunately for me my husband makes my coffee in the morning, but if necessary I can generally manage a decent brew. I’m in a small church, but not in the country, though I have done that, too. I love four-leggeds, especially dogs. I’m also old enough to be your mother, but why let something like that get in the way?
There’s also some tension between me and my husband that is complicated, but catalyzed by financial uncertainty. Sound familiar? I’m glad that you were ministered to in a hospital room. The knitters will be there another day.
I pray for you peace, and resolution to your challenges.